Thread: Complete Novice

I'm a complete novice to the world of straight razors and need some advice and help.

I've bought a Dovo of Solingen 'Bismarck' 5/8 straight razor and a Dovo strop along with the other obvious things.

I have a couple of questions:

Is this razor okay (from what I've read I think it should be)?

Is the razor sharp enough to shave with when it arrives? and if not can it be sharpened on a strop?(I realise that I need to strop before and after every shave)

When used correctly should it glide over the face or will there be more resistance that say a gillette razor?

What shaving creams/soaps should u use?

With standard usage will I need to use the canvas side of the strop or will the leather side be sufficient if done before and after every shave and should the strop be held tight or allowed a bit of play.?

Should I put anything on the blade to stop it from rusting after useage?

Do you have any tips or other useful information I should consider?

Thanks in advance for all your help.